Keep Australia Beautifulhttp://kab.org.au
Leading Australia in litter reduction for over 45 yearsTue, 18 Dec 2018 00:09:50 +0000en-AUhourly1Smithton, TAS crowned Tidiest of them allhttp://kab.org.au/smithton-tas-crowned-tidiest-of-them-all/
Mon, 09 Apr 2018 12:05:29 +0000http://kab.org.au/?p=12006Continue reading →]]>Keep Australia Beautiful has announced the Tasmanian finalist Smithton as the winner of the 2018 Australian Tidy Towns Awards, at an event hosted by last year’s winner Barmera, South Australia on 6 April 2018.

Running nationally since 1990, the Australian Tidy Towns Awards have evolved to encompass projects and initiatives with a focus on environmental sustainability and resource management to reflect a growing awareness of the importance of community-led environmental action. They set out to recognise the hard work undertaken by individuals and groups in rural communities, and share these best practices and ideas to continue to improve our vibrant rural towns.

Smithton was also a joint winner Community Action & Wellbeing; Environmental Sustainabilityand Young Legends. They were also highly commended in Heritage & Culture.

Australian Tidy Towns judge Gail Langleysaid, “Smithton is a highly driven community with determination to pinpoint and address issues. The parties involved with projects are highly motivated and demonstrate a sense of dedication to each other and to achieving their set goals.”

Val Southam, Chief Executive and Executive Director, Keep Australia Beautiful said, “The finalists in the Tidy Towns competition, who are largely volunteers, are some of the most dedicated, passionate and colourful people in all the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Communities awards programs.

“Year upon year we see a high calibre of community action that allows all Australians to aspire to be tidy Aussies.”

The two-day event included a tour of Barmera that showcased some of the town’s excellent projects, which contributed to their win last year; highlights from Gail Langley’s judging tour; finalist’s presentations; as well as opportunities, which allowed representatives the chance to share information and network with like-minded communities from around Australia.

]]>2017 National Litter Index Results Show Surpriseshttp://kab.org.au/2017-national-litter-index-results-show-surprises/
Fri, 26 Jan 2018 06:35:26 +0000http://kab.org.au/?p=11931Continue reading →]]>The Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index (NLI) (2016/2017) results have been analysed, showing surprises in the twelfth year that the survey has been conducted across 983 national sites

An overall 4.3% reduction of litter counted, highlights an improvement against the previous year’s NLI, and a continuing downward trend of litter levels. The reduction is also measured by volume, with the NLI showing a 2.2% reduction in volumetric terms.

Specific reductions were recorded in categories such as ‘other glass’ (e.g. broken pieces of bottles, broken mirrors and broken headlights), with a -13.8% rate; ‘cigarette butts’, registering a -9.9% reduction; and ‘general other items’, showing a -6.3% rate. Plastic bags represented approximately 1% of total litter.

Offsetting these significant reductions of specific litter was a disappointing increase of litter at beach sites (+15.9%) and recreational parks (+7.7%). Despite ongoing environmental sustainability education and increased penalties, it appears the message to “Put it in a Bin” is yet to register with some sectors of the community.

Overall, the 983 sites surveyed represented almost 1.5 million square metres, embracing 710 suburban and 273 regional sites, which included beaches, parks, car parks, highways, industrial precincts, residential streets and strip shopping centres. Site litter ranged from an average 97 items per 1,000 square metres, down to an average 20 items per 1,000 square metres.

“The KAB NLI shows a clear downward trend in litter counted across our vast nation. However, with cigarette butts and take away packaging representing almost two thirds of all litter counted across the country, the Australian community can do much more by changing poor disposal habits and keeping the built and natural environment litter free”, said Keep Australia Beautiful CEO, Ms Val Southam.

“State and Territory jurisdictions are very focused on litter reduction, the impact of illegal dumping and the cost to the community and councils of managing littering. Higher penalties and, in some states, Beverage Container Deposit return schemes are being introduced along with other waste reform measures to address the significant problem caused by littering”, she said.

]]>Indigenous artist turns litter into arthttp://kab.org.au/indigenous-artist-turns-litter-into-art/
Mon, 04 Dec 2017 09:33:04 +0000http://kab.org.au/?p=11877Continue reading →]]>Bendigo Indigenous photo-media artist Tashara Roberts has used art as a process of healing after being confronted with an overwhelming amount of litter found around Lake Eppalock, a major water storage facility near Bendigo in central Victoria.

]]>KAB CEO talks trash with Ed Phillipshttp://kab.org.au/kab-ceo-talks-trash-with-ed-phillips/
Wed, 30 Aug 2017 08:58:13 +0000http://kab.org.au/?p=11815
]]>Smithton named the Tidiest of them allhttp://kab.org.au/smithton-named-the-tidiest-of-them-all/
Thu, 18 May 2017 03:34:02 +0000http://kab.org.au/?p=11575Continue reading →]]>Keep Australia Beautiful has announced the Tasmanian finalist Smithton as the winner of the 2018 Australian Tidy Towns Awards, at an event hosted by last year’s winner Barmera, South Australia on 6 April 2018.

Running nationally since 1990, the Australian Tidy Towns Awards have evolved to encompass projects and initiatives with a focus on environmental sustainability and resource management to reflect a growing awareness of the importance of community-led environmental action. They set out to recognise the hard work undertaken by individuals and groups in rural communities, and share these best practices and ideas to continue to improve our vibrant rural towns.

Smithton was also a joint winner Community Action & Wellbeing; Environmental Sustainabilityand Young Legends. They were also highly commended in Heritage & Culture.

Australian Tidy Towns judge Gail Langleysaid, “Smithton is a highly driven community with determination to pinpoint and address issues. The parties involved with projects are highly motivated and demonstrate a sense of dedication to each other and to achieving their set goals.”

Val Southam, Chief Executive and Executive Director, Keep Australia Beautiful said, “The finalists in the Tidy Towns competition, who are largely volunteers, are some of the most dedicated, passionate and colourful people in all the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Communities awards programs.

“Year upon year we see a high calibre of community action that allows all Australians to aspire to be tidy Aussies.”

The two-day event included a tour of Barmera that showcased some of the town’s excellent projects, which contributed to their win last year; highlights from Gail Langley’s judging tour; finalist’s presentations; as well as opportunities, which allowed representatives the chance to share information and network with like-minded communities from around Australia.

]]>National Litter Index 2016/17: How are we doing, Australia?http://kab.org.au/national-litter-index-201516-how-are-we-doing-australia/
Thu, 15 Dec 2016 09:59:08 +0000http://kab.org.au/?p=11387Continue reading →]]>The Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index (NLI) (2016/2017) results have been analysed, showing surprises in the twelfth year that the survey has been conducted across 983 national sites.

An overall 4.3% reduction of litter counted, highlights an improvement against the previous year’s NLI, and a continuing downward trend of litter levels. The reduction is also measured by volume, with the NLI showing a 2.2% reduction in volumetric terms.

Specific reductions were recorded in categories such as ‘other glass’ (e.g. broken pieces of bottles, broken mirrors and broken headlights), with a -13.8% rate; ‘cigarette butts’, registering a -9.9% reduction; and ‘general other items’, showing a -6.3% rate. Plastic bags represented approximately 1% of total litter.

Offsetting these significant reductions of specific litter was a disappointing increase of litter at beach sites (+15.9%) and recreational parks (+7.7%). Despite ongoing environmental sustainability education and increased penalties, it appears the message to “Put it in a Bin” is yet to register with some sectors of the community.

Overall, the 983 sites surveyed represented almost 1.5 million square metres, embracing 710 suburban and 273 regional sites, which included beaches, parks, car parks, highways, industrial precincts, residential streets and strip shopping centres. Site litter ranged from an average 97 items per 1,000 square metres, down to an average 20 items per 1,000 square metres.

“The KAB NLI shows a clear downward trend in litter counted across our vast nation. However, with cigarette butts and take away packaging representing almost two thirds of all litter counted across the country, the Australian community can do much more by changing poor disposal habits and keeping the built and natural environment litter free”, said Keep Australia Beautiful CEO, Ms Val Southam.

“State and Territory jurisdictions are very focused on litter reduction, the impact of illegal dumping and the cost to the community and councils of managing littering. Higher penalties and, in some states, Beverage Container Deposit return schemes are being introduced along with other waste reform measures to address the significant problem caused by littering”, she said.

For more information on state-specific statistics, and case studies about specific litter challenges and impacts in the high-concern areas of Plastic Bags, Beverage Containers, and Cigarette Butts, read the report here.

]]>West Beach, Victoria and Brisbane City Council clean up at the 2016 Australian Sustainable Communities Awardshttp://kab.org.au/west-beach-victoria-and-brisbane-city-council-clean-up-at-the-2016-australian-sustainable-communities-awards/
Mon, 28 Nov 2016 06:52:20 +0000http://kab.org.au/?p=11348Continue reading →]]>MOST SUSTAINABLE CITY AND CLEANEST BEACH IN AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCED

The City of Brisbane and Victoria’s West Beach are leading the nation

Queensland capital the City of Brisbane and beautiful West Beach in Victoria were announced as the nation’s best at the Keep Australia Beautiful’s Sustainable Communities awards dinner tonight.

Brisbane have secured the Australian Sustainable City Award, while West Beach took the title of Australian Clean Beach for 2016.

The event was held in Frankston, Victoria – last year’s big winners – and was hosted by Catriona Rowntree.

Individual awards were also given for leading cities and beaches in the following areas: Litter Prevention, Waste Management and Resource Recovery (ACT and VIC); Environmental Sustainability (QLD and WA); Environmental Education (NSW); Community Action and Wellbeing (VIC and TAS); Heritage and Culture (WA and SA); and Young Legends (TAS, VIC, and NSW). See overleaf for full list of winners.

Overall Australian Sustainable Cities winner Brisbane City Council succeeds by trusting its own ambitious decisions, said Sustainable Cities judge Sue Burton.

“They plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2017,” she said.

“The scale of change required to meet this target and to be water smart, aim for zero waste, increase biodiversity, to be a resilient city and to deliver in partnership with community and industry requires long-term thinking and actions implemented beyond the usual political time frames.

“Brisbane does all this, and does it exceptionally well. Having won this award in 2014 this new recognition commends Brisbane City Council’s ongoing commitment to sustainability across every awards category.”

Clean Beaches overall winner West Beach, Saint Kilda is a popular recreation spot in an urban environment in close proximity to one of Australia’s busiest ports.

“Nevertheless,” said Clean Beaches judge Averil Bones, “West Beach remains clean and beautiful, with great facilities, a passionate group of committed residents, an engaged business community, and an effective and responsive council.

“It is no coincidence that West Beach, through the leadership of the Port Phillip EcoCentre, has also jointly won this year’s Young Legends category. The dynamic young leaders emerging from the West Beach community are testament to a long-term commitment to litter prevention, recycling, environmental sustainability and education programs that engage and nurture the next generations.”

David Imrie, National Chief Executive Officer of Keep Australia Beautiful said “The consistently high quality sustainability initiatives springing up across the country are inspiring and encouraging.”

“Seeing our Young Legends volunteers, to small communities like Narooma in NSW, to sustainable businesses like Soft Landing and city councils like Randwick, Brisbane and Yarra all at their best, it’s a reminder that it takes all of us, in our own individual and community capacity, to create real and long-lasting change to Australia’s environment.”

The city of Frankston hosted a full day for awards finalists, starting with a tour of Frankston and its winning sustainability projects, followed by workshops designed to inspire and creatively engage with sustainability issues.

Through the Sustainable Communities and Tidy Towns Programs, Keep Australia Beautiful share expert knowledge and experience to empower those who care about our environment to actively work towards a cleaner, more sustainable Australia.

]]>Soft Landing Mattress Recycling wins ‘ACT Sustainable Community of the Year, 2016’http://kab.org.au/soft-landing-mattress-recycling-wins-act-sustainable-community-of-the-year-2016/
Fri, 09 Sep 2016 01:36:18 +0000http://kab.org.au/?p=11176Continue reading →]]>Soft Landing Mattress Recyclinghas won the title ofKeep Australia Beautiful ‘ACT Sustainable Community of the Year 2016’ for their important waste recovery work and for their commitment to providing employment for some of ACT’s most vulnerable community members. The awards celebrate environmental and social sustainability practices by Canberra’s communities, businesses, education institutions, individuals, and all levels of government. As well as winning the overall award, Soft Landing took home theDame Phyllis FrostLitter Prevention, Waste Management and Resource Recoveryaward.

In their first five months of operation, social enterprise, Soft Landing Mattress Recycling has recovered over 5000 end of life mattresses representing an average 71 tonnes monthly. Over 80% of mattress materials are recycled. Not content with this impressive achievement Soft Landing aspires to a 100% diversion rate by 2020.

Soft Landing are commitment to providing training and employment opportunities and a supportive work environment for people experiencing barriers to joining to workforce. 70% of Soft Landing’s current staff are Indigenous Australians with barriers to employment, and 85% are from their broader target groups including the long term unemployed and those with complex barriers to work, including people with mental health issues.

Cormac Farrell, 2016 ACT Sustainable Communities lead judge, said “Soft Landing Mattress Recycling are worthy winners of this award. In addition to an impressive recycling rate they are a leading example of how businesses can combine social and environmental sustainability. Their win shows the things that can be achieved when people work with both their hearts and their heads.”

Of the win, Soft Landing National Operations Manager said: “Soft Landing are proud to be the winners of the ACT Keep Australia Beautiful Awards. The award represents the great Environmental achievements this site has achieved already but more importantly the life changing social outcomes with the 8 jobs already created and the 10 Work for the Dole training opportunities being undertaken on our site. It’s a true Waste2Wages success story in action.”

Soft Landing Mattress Recycling will now go on to represent the ACT at the 2016 Keep Australia Beautiful, Australian Sustainable Communities Awards, at an event to be held in Frankston Victoria this November.

Dr David Shorthouse was also recognised at the breakfast awards event for over 45 years of service to nature conservation and environmental sustainability in the ACT, winning the Individual ACTion award. Dr Shorthouse has been pivotal in shaping environmental thinking and outcomes within ACT government, industry and community having worked as a university lecturer, author, ecological researcher, environmental planner, government advisor, project developer, and environmental consultant on urban land development.

Philip Robinson, Keep Australia Beautiful Chief Executive Officer said, “It is inspirational to see so many individuals, schools, community organisations and businesses embarking on practical, grass roots activities aimed at building a more sustainable future.”

The morning was attended by Dr Chris Bourke MLA, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs; Minister for Children and Young People; Minister for Disability; Minister for Small Business and the Arts and Ms Dorte Ekelund, Director General, Environment & Sustainable Development Directorate who presented awards.

If you will be attending, please confirm so that a representative can greet you upon arrival: Kimmy West (litterfighter@kab.org.au or 0412 324 172)

Please find the media release attached for all information regarding the upcoming 2016 ACT Sustainable Communities Awards, and feel free to reply to this email with all questions you may have about the event.

The 2016 ACT Sustainable Communities finalists have been judged and winners will be announced at the 2016 Keep Australia Beautiful ACT Sustainable Communities Awards. Residents, community-based organisations, schools, businesses and local government agencies achieving sustainability across the territory will come together to share their achievements at a breakfast awards ceremony overlooking the National Arboretum.